By Mike Varner
Southwest Ohio Correspondent

Loveland- The undefeated Loveland Tigers were put to the test as they hosted the Hamilton Big Blue on a warm, windy Saturday afternoon.

Loveland’s unsigned senior RHP Nolan Synder took the hill and proceeded to give up hits to four of the first five Hamilton batters. Hamilton catcher Jake Hyde, who committed to Marietta over the weekend, laced a rocket down the left field line that brought in two runners.

The scoring didn’t stop as Hamilton tacked on eight more runs in the second inning.

Loveland junior RHP Jacob Wagoner pitched three innings in relief giving up two runs while striking out two batters. Wagoner kept the Hamilton batters off balance with good command of his fastball and curveball.

Hamilton countered Loveland with junior RHP DJ Francis, who threw five innings and gave up four earned runs while striking out six batters.

Jake Hyde came from behind the plate to pitch the final two innings. He gave up one run on three hits while striking out two.

The hitting stars for Hamilton were unsigned senior OF Cody Lehman who was three for three with two RBIs; Jake Hyde with two RBIs and three runs scored; and junior OF Ryan Kennedy, who was two for five with two RBIs.

For Loveland, junior RHP/OF Brian Bullock was two for three with two RBIs. Sophomore catcher Darren Sackett went 1-4 with a 380 foot fly out to deep center. The Sackett Brothers, both catchers, are definite follows on a Loveland team that has it’s share of talented prospects.

Loveland (5-1) travels to Hamilton Badin (1-4) on Tuesday at 5 pm.
 Hamilton (4-1) hosts Sycamore (1-3) at 7:30 Tuesday in the Reds Futures Showcase.

To view scouting notes from this game, please visit the Ohio High School Scouting Blog.